Requirements for Immigration to Finland

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Finland is a member of the European Union, bordered by Sweden to the west and Russia to the east. To immigrate to Finland, foreign nationals must apply for a residence permit in most cases. These permits are available in various circumstances, whether for employment, study or political asylum, each with slightly different requirements.

Working

A non-EU citizen seeking to work and live in Finland must apply for a residence permit to engage in any lucrative activities. This ruling applies regardless of whether an individual is employed or self-employed. To apply for the permit, an individual must complete an application form, pay a processing fee and have a potential employer in Finland, who presents additional information on the terms of work. Applications may be submitted to Finnish embassies or consulates abroad or to police departments within major Finnish cities. However, in most cases, non-EU citizens must wait for the permit to be awarded while abroad. Residence permits for self-employed applicants must contain a business plan, as well as details regarding the business's operation and size.

Studying

Non-EU citizens seeking to live in Finland while pursuing a course of studies must apply for a residence permit, as well. As in the case of the residence permit for workers, you may apply at Finnish embassies, consulates or police stations. Applicants must demonstrate their acceptance to a Finnish educational institution, and the course must be in undergraduate studies leading to either a degree or a vocational qualification. Applicants must outline previous work and study experience that qualifies them for the intended course of study. In addition, they must demonstrate their intended source of income and health insurance coverage during their time in Finland. Finally, applicants must disclose any criminal record.

Returnees, Refugees and Family Members

In some cases, an individual may immigrate to Finland without a residence permit contingent on a work offer or acceptance into a course of studies. People who can demonstrate Finnish ancestry or a close connection with the country may apply for a residence permit. Direct descendants of Finnish citizens and of Ingrian Finns from areas of the former Soviet Union may apply. Those seeking asylum from persecution in their home countries may also immigrate without any pending work or study arrangements. A refugee quota limits the number of people who may immigrate as refugees each year. A third group, individuals with family ties, may receive residence permits on the basis of direct family members who already live in Finland, their "hosts." Immigrants using the "family ties" basis for entrance must live with their host family members.

EU Citizens

Citizens of the European Union, Liechtenstein and Switzerland all have the right to live and work in Finland without any permit, provided they stay no longer than three months. For longer stays, EU citizens must apply for a residence permit. In addition, EU citizens may stay in Finland for longer than three months if they are actively seeking employment and have a "real chance of finding employment," as judged by the Finnish Immigration Service. Once an EU citizen has resided in Finland for five years, he may apply for a permanent right of residence.

About the Author

Danielle Hill has been writing, editing and translating since 2005. She has contributed to "Globe Pequot" Barcelona travel guide, "Gulfshore Business Magazine," "Connecting Lines: New Poetry from Mexico" and "The Barcelona Review." She has trained in neuro-linguistic programming and holds a Bachelor of Arts in comparative literature and literary translation from Brown University.

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